Berger – home and away

Harness racing trainer Mike Berger has four runners ready to race at their home track of Cambridge on Thursday, whilst on Friday night stable star Cos I Can (Always B Miki) will run in the Listed Country Championship at Addington.

Last start winner Quik Sharnie (Quaker Jet) gets the Berger night at Cambridge underway in Race One. At her last start, driver Ben Butcher took her to the front at the 1700 metre peg and she held on to win by a neck, going to the line with her ears pricked.

“She’s a lovely mannered mare who’s trotting pretty solid and (is) racing consistent, so we’d like to think we’d be thereabouts again. She’s my best bet,” Berger said.

Kingswood (Sweet Lou) was held up at his last start and gets a nice draw (1) to work with in Race Two.

“He’s a one trick pony who needs a sweet trip to have one shot at them. It’s the best draw he’s had in his life so hopefully that’ll help him.”

Lady La Salle (Sweet Lou) had two races in March taking second place in each. However since then her form has dropped off. In Race Five she’ll start on the outside of the second row.

“She blew to bits a couple of starts back. She was going a bit quick into the corner and just tapped a knee. To me she’s been going good races, but you need a bit of luck from those draws.”

Barbarossa (Captaintreacherous) rounds out Berger’s night in Race Six. His three career wins have been at Cambridge, and he gets a good draw (3) to work with.

“When he won the last time, he jumped up a grade and he’s starting to get down (in the ratings) again. He’s been running good times but it’s the old story of when you’re back (in the running) even in that grade they’re running anywhere between 2-41 to 2-43 and if you have to get round them it’s just impossible. From the three draw he should be handy and I think he’s going good enough to get some of it.”

Meanwhile Berger lines up Cos I Can in the $90,000 Listed Hydroflow NZ Country Championship over 3200 metres at Addington on Friday. He ran a creditable seventh in the Uncut Gems last Friday after not getting a clear run in the home straight. 

“It was a fast tempo up front, and he made up good ground in the straight. Ben (Butcher) said he hit the line well. I think the horse is racing good enough and just needs a bit of luck in that grade. He does follow pace well and I can’t remember him stopping in any of his races. I think 3200 metres will suit him down to the ground.” 

For complete race entries, click here.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink